A bomb scare was sparked in Boston after a suitcase was left outside a Government building in the early hours of the morning.

Members of Boston Police's bomb squad were called in to carry out a controlled detonation on the suspicious object, which was left by a Homeland Security vehicle outside the office of the Massachusetts Coast Guard on Atlantic Avenue near Seaport Boulevard shortly after 9:30 am (CET).

Police x-rayed the suitcase and determined that there were wires and a power source inside but nothing to lead them to believe it contained explosives.

"Given what's going on around the country, better safe than sorry,” said a police spokesperson who confirmed that a controlled detonation was carried out on the suitcase.

Boston Police had shut down access to the area around Atlantic Avenue, diverting vehicles and pedestrians, according to the department.

Massachusetts State Police announced they are now seeking the individual who left the suitcase which prompted the initial bomb fears.